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Microsoft making up to five million Surface tablets

Microsoft will build between 3-5 million Surface tablets during the fourth quarter, ahead of its October 26 launch.

The software giant is planning to begin a "large volume production" of its first tablet product according to component supplier sources in Asia.

After CEO Steve Ballmer suggested the company may shift "a few million" over the next year, Microsoft look set to produce " a little more than 3 million Surface tablets" during the Christmas run-up with significant demand rumoured to be already underway.

The speculation follows pricing, market availability and special limited quantity pre-order information released by Microsoft, "designed to be the ultimate stage for Windows."

"Surface delivers the power of amazing software and the feel of premium hardware in one exciting experience," Microsoft says.

Originally unveiled in June, Surface with Windows RT will initially be available in three SKUs: a 32GB version priced at US$499, a 32GB version bundled with a black Touch Cover priced at US$599, and a 64GB version bundled with a black Touch Cover priced at US$699.